It is do or die time for the four teams in Champions League action on Wednesday evening. Two teams will have already advanced to the semi-finals by the time these matches take place and we could be set for a thrilling night of European football.

Liverpool are in a commanding position ahead of their second leg with FC Porto. The Reds, still in contention for a Premier League and Champions League double, will take a two-goal lead into Wednesday’s fixture and an away goal will settle that particular tie.

Meanwhile, Manchester City have work to do against Tottenham Hotspur. The Premier League champions are involved in a hard-fought title race but Pep Guardiola’s side will be focused on reaching the semi-finals. Overturning the 1-0 deficit from the first leg will NOT be easy.

Neutrals will be hoping for a dramatic night of Champions League football and we’re hear to cast our eye over Wednesday’s double header. Without further ado, here are our best bets ahead of both games…

FC Porto vs LIVERPOOL

Porto won’t give up without a fight but it may prove prudent for Sergio Conceicao to focus on their upcoming Primeira Liga clash with Santa Clara.

With the Portuguese outfit now 15/1 to advance to the next round, the odds are very much against the hosts. You won’t find too many punters siding with Porto here…

Like Liverpool, Porto are involved in a nip-and-tuck title race. Currently level on points with Benfica, Porto will be hoping that avoiding defeat (10/13) against Liverpool can boost confidence.

Liverpool, now as short as 7/2 in the latest Champions League winner odds, will be quietly confident of getting the job done on Wednesday night.

Jurgen Klopp’s men have won their last seven games in a row in all competitions and plenty of punters will fancy the Reds to extend that streak here.

11/10 could turn out to be a huge price for a Liverpool win. The Reds are lethal on the counter attack and the likes of Mo Salah and Sadio Mane can expose this Porto defence.

This is quite difficult to predict but Liverpool are in the driving seat and they should create chances against Porto. The odds for Klopp’s side are too good to turn down.

TIP: Liverpool to win @ 11/10

PREDICTED SCORE: Porto 0-2 Liverpool (Priced at 17/2 with 888sport)

 

MANCHESTER CITY vs Tottenham Hotspur

Write Manchester City off at your peril. The Blues were underwhelming in the first leg but the defending Premier League champions bounced back with victory at Crystal Palace.

With City hunting an unprecedented quadruple, there are signs that the sheer number of matches is taking its toll. However, 4/6 for Guardiola’s men to reach the semi-finals is a very good price.

An early goal should settle any nerves and Tottenham will be wary of a City onslaught. The Blues are 13/20 to take a lead into half-time and that has been a regular winner in 2018/19.

Can Tottenham get the job done in the absence of Harry Kane? Spurs emerged victorious in the first leg and kept a clean sheet – it was almost the perfect night from their perspective.

However, Kane’s injury may prove crucial. Son Heung-Min has stepped up to the plate this season but he isn’t an out-and-out striker; Pochettino has a big decision to make.

Son scored the only goal of the game last week and the South Korean is a 29/10 shot to get his name on the scoresheet on Wednesday night. This one is still firmly in the balance.

There is little value in backing City to win but 4/5 for the hosts to score in both halves is a decent option. Guardiola’s side should have too much firepower on home soil…

TIP: Man City to score in both halves @ 4/5

PREDICTED SCORE: Man City 3-1 Spurs (Priced at 9/1 with 888sport)

 

*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*

Got over Watford’s dramatic victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers yet? Of course you haven’t.

In what was one of the best FA Cup semi-finals in recent memory, Watford came from two goals down to defeat Wolves – with Troy Deeney’s injury-time penalty taking the contest to extra-time.

It was one of those ‘I was there’ moments and it will live long in the memory of Watford supporters.

Watford, currently clinging onto 10^th position in the Premier League table, have bounced back after a difficult period. Javi Gracia has the Hornets playing an exciting brand of football and players like Gerard Deulofeu and Roberto Pereyra are starting to come of age.

Deulofeu has six goals and two assists in his last eight matches and his form has been key to Watford’s recent success – especially in that Wembley win over Wolves.

Deulofeu in particular has been outstanding in 2018/19. Capable of making an impact in the starting line-up or off the substitutes bench, the former Barcelona winger has stepped up to the plate this season.

Once compared to Lionel Messi in his youth days, Deulofeu hasn’t quite lived up to the hype but he is now shining on the big stage and Watford are reaping the rewards. Could he be the one to make the difference against Manchester City?

The Hornets’ record against the ‘Big 6’ has been poor this season. With just three points in 10 Premier League matches against England’s elite, Watford have failed to compete at the highest level.

That may go some way to explaining why 888sport are going 4/1 for Watford to lift the FA Cup in May’s final at Wembley. Gracia will have to come up with a game plan to combat City’s attacking threat.

The FA Cup has took a fair bit of stick over the years but the competition fought back at the ideal moment. Manchester City were expected to put Brighton & Hove Albion to the sword but were underwhelming under the Wembley arch.

Watford’s memorable success stole the limelight and the Hornets will be quietly confident of upsetting Pep Guardiola’s side in next month’s FA Cup final at the same venue.

Currently priced at 12/1 to get the job done inside 90 minutes, Watford will need everything to go their way to stand any chance of winning at Wembley.

The Hornets will be hoping that City’s excursions of competing on four fronts takes its toll and Watford may benefit directly from their success in other competitions.

Watford may head into the FA Cup final knowing that they can stop the Blues from winning an unprecedented quadruple.

It isn’t quite the David vs Goliath story of 2013 but Watford can ‘do a Wigan’ and beat City at Wembley. Neutrals will be cheering Watford on in the domestic showpiece and all of the pressure and expectation will be on Manchester City.

Watford will relish the underdog role under the famous Wembley arch and we could be set for another thrilling encounter. Ignore the critics, the FA Cup isn’t finished yet.

 

*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*

Horse Racing: The Derby (Early News)

There are less than two months until the 240th running of the Derby, the premier Classic and the Greatest Flat Race in the World, at Epsom Downs Racecourse on Saturday, June 1.

The 2019 renewal of the historic race over a mile and a half, Britain’s richest at £1.5 million, has 96 contenders remaining at this stage.

The reigning British champion Flat trainer John Gosden has won the Derby twice, most recently with Golden Horn in 2015, and the Newmarket-based handler has 16 contenders going forward, headed by last season’s champion two-year-old Too Darn Hot.

The son of Dubawi, owned by Lord Lloyd Webber and undefeated in four starts during 2018, finished last year with an authoritative success in the Darley Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket and was named European champion two-year-old with a rating of 126.

Not surprisingly, Too Darn Hot is the clear favourite for the Derby at 5/1 in the horse racing odds available with 888sport.

Also among the 16-strong Gosden-trained contingent are maiden winners Baltic Song (80/1), Dubai Warrior (12/1), Humanitarian (28/1) and Questionare (66/1).

Godolphin saw its famous royal blue silks carried to success for the first time in the 2018 Investec Derby by Masar and there are two entries currently engaged for the Maktoum family’s racing operations.

The unraced pair Wirraway (66/1, John Gosden) and Mawsoof (50/1 Saaed bin Suroor), though the Godolphin-owned Quorto, trained by Charlie Appleby, is quoted as the third favourite at 16/1.

Ireland’s champion Flat trainer Aidan O’Brien is chasing a record-equalling seventh Derby success following the victories of Galileo (2001), High Chaparral (2002), Camelot (2012), Ruler of the World (2013), Australia (2014), and Wings of Eagles (2017).

The Ballydoyle-trainer has 25 entries going forward in 2019, including the Futurity Stakes winner Anthony Van Dyck (14/1 second favourite), third behind Too Darn Hot in the Dewhurst Stakes, and Beresford Stakes winner Japan (16/1).

O’Brien recently sent out Broome (11/1) to win the Ballysax Stakes at Leopardstown and he will return there to contest the Derrinstown, which is usually an insightful Classic trial.

Broome finished second in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at the Arc meeting last season and at this early stage looks like O’Brien’s leading candidate for the Derby.

His Highness The Aga Khan has won the Investec Derby five times, most recently with Harzand in 2016.

There are eight Aga Khan-owned entries currently engaged, including the unraced Zarkallani (66/1), who is out of the unbeaten five-time Group One winner Zarkava and therefore a half-brother to the G1 winner Zarak.

Upper Lambourn trainer Ed Walker has yet to saddle an Investec Derby runner, but has a contender this year in Ginistrelli (66/1). The son of Frankel is owned by Bjorn Nielsen and Eastwind Racing Ltd and is a half-brother to Gravitation.

After finishing fourth on debut at Salisbury in October, Ginistrelli ended 2018 by winning a mile novice race at Newmarket later the same month.

 

Epsom News: The Oaks

Group One winner Iridessa stars among 60 entries for the 2019 Oaks, details of which were revealed last week.

The 12-furlong fillies’ Classic is the highlight on day one of the Derby Festival, Ladies’ Day, Friday, May 31, and carries a total prize fund of at least £500,000.

One of two Investec Oaks entries for Joseph O’Brien and owner Chantal Regalado-Gonzalez, Iridessa provided O’Brien with his first Group One success in Britain as a trainer when powering to victory in the Fillies’ Mile at Newmarket in October.

The three-year-old daughter of 2013 Investec Derby winner Ruler Of The World, who is the 16/1 co-favourite with us here at 888sport, finished third on her 2019 return in the 1,000 Guineas Trial at Leopardstown on April 6.

Chantal Regalado-Gonzalez is no stranger to success in the Oaks, having seen her colours carried to victory by 50/1 outsider Qualify in 2015.

The owner’s other entry, Altair (50/1), by 2014 Investec Derby victor Australia, came late and fast to make a winning debut in a seven-furlong Dundalk Polytrack maiden in January.

Joseph O’Brien, who has been a trainer since June, 2016, missed out on partnering an Oaks winner, but was twice successful as a rider in the Derby on Camelot  and Australia.

Joseph’s father Aidan O’Brien, Ireland’s champion Flat trainer for the past 20 years, who trained Camelot, Ruler Of The World and Australia, accounts for 19 Investec Oaks entries this year, the most of any handler, as he goes after a remarkable Oaks victory.

Aidan O’Brien’s contenders include Hermosa (16/1), who chased home Iridessa in the Fillies’ Mile, and impressive Rockfel Stakes scorer Just Wonderful (16/1). Promising maiden winners Chablis (16/1) and Pink Dogwood (25/1) are also entered.

Dual Investec Oaks-winning handler Ralph Beckett has three talented entries for owner Waverley Racing, all sired by Lope De Vega. The unbeaten Manuela De Vega (16/1) defeated her male counterparts in the Listed Silver Tankard Stakes at Pontefract in October.

Meanwhile, Antonia De Vega (33/1) captured the Prestige Stakes at Goodwood. Impressive Doncaster maiden scorer Dancing Vega (20/1) completes the trio.

The pick of the three French-trained entries is Camelot filly Wonderment (25/1),who has not been seen out since defeating Sydney Opera House by a neck in the 10-furlong Criterium de Saint-Cloud in October, when she was the only filly in the nine-strong field.

Trainer Nicolas Clement revealed: “Wonderment has grown over the winter and looks a picture at the moment. I could not be happier with her.

“She was a Group One winner as a two-year-old, we have no doubts about her staying a mile and a half, and we think she will handle Epsom, which is why we decided to make the entry.

“She will start off in the Prix Penelope at Saint-Cloud on May 1 and then depending on how she gets on there, we have the option of the Investec Oaks or the Prix de Diane.”

Andre Fabre is the most recent French trainer to have landed the Investec Oaks, courtesy of Intrepidity in 1993, and the handler has two entries this year in Villa d’Amore (20/1) and Tamniah (20/1), who are both twice-raced maiden winners.

Other notable Investec oaks entries include G1 Prix Marcel Boussac third Star Terms (Richard Hannon, 33/1), who hails from the family of outstanding 1982 Oaks heroine Time Charter, and highly-regarded Yarmouth scorer Frankellina (33/1), the pick of three entries for Newmarket-based trainer William Haggas.

Finally, a Super Sunday that could live up to its name. With Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea all in action, Premier League fans will be looking forward to sitting down in front of the television for what looks to be another exciting day in England’s top flight.

Pep Guardiola’s side travel to Selhurst Park for a clash with Crystal Palace in Sunday’s early fixture. The Eagles snatched a shock win at the Etihad Stadium earlier in the campaign and the visitors will be looking to settle the score.

Meanwhile, Chelsea head to Anfield knowing that a win will take the Blues back above rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the top four race. For Liverpool, it is all about claiming another win as they look to keep piling the pressure on Manchester City.

That’s enough chitchat for now – it is time to look at Sunday’s double header. 888sport have the latest Premier League betting odds available onsite ahead of both fixtures and punters needing some betting help can check out my thoughts below…

Crystal Palace vs MANCHESTER CITY

Palace have won just two of their previous eight home games – one against Fulham and the other against Huddersfield Town.

Roy Hodgson’s side have struggled to inspire confidence on home soil in recent months but Palace (9/1) could spring a major shock if everything goes to plan on Sunday afternoon.

City have been in fantastic form, winning their last eight Premier League games in a row. On current form, they are deservedly favourites to go on and retain the title...

A 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League is the only loss on their record since the start of February and 8/25 for the visitors to win isn’t the worst price to stick in an accumulator.

Finding extra value when City are playing is difficult but 11/10 for the Blues to win to nil on Sunday afternoon is reasonable. The selection has landed in six of their last seven top flight fixtures and another comfortable score line beckons.

City should win but the Eagles are tricky customers and Guardiola will recall December's 3-2 defeat. An intriguing affair awaits at Selhurst Park.

TIP: Man City to win to nil @ 11/10

PREDICTED SCORE: Crystal Palace 0-2 Man City (Priced at 11/2 with 888sport)

 

LIVERPOOL vs Chelsea

Liverpool are showing no signs of slowing down in their pursuit of the title and Jurgen Klopp will be demanding another positive performance here.

You could argue that the Reds have rode their luck at times but you need to do that in the title race and 6/4 for Liverpool to lift the trophy represents excellent value.

Chelsea have battled hard to climb into the Premier League top four and Maurizio Sarri has weathered the storm after heavy criticism a couple of months ago.

The Blues, 21/5 to win at Anfield on Sunday, have previous in this fixture – can they put a dent in Liverpool’s Premier League title challenge yet again?

In my opinion, no. Liverpool should prove too strong for Chelsea, especially at Anfield. The Reds have been outstanding on home soil in 2018/19 and it would take a brave man to back against Klopp’s side here.

5/2 for a Liverpool win with both teams scoring looks like a great price. Victory here should give the Reds a boost with easier fixtures on the horizon.

TIP: Liverpool to win and both teams to score @ 5/2

PREDICTED SCORE: Liverpool 3-1 Chelsea (Priced at 12/1 with 888sport)

 

*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*

Ipswich Town vs BIRMINGHAM CITY: Best Bets

Ipswich – 5/2

Draw – 43/20

BCFC – 23/20

Birmingham will look to continue their good run of form when they visit Portman Road on Saturday afternoon.

At the time of writing, Ipswich are rooted to the bottom of the table having won just four of their 41 Championship games so far this season.

Meanwhile, Garry Monk’s side secured a 1-0 victory over high-flying Leeds United before following up that result with a 1-1 draw against Sheffield United.

The Blues are in decent form and 23/20 is an excellent price considering that run and Ipswich’s continued woes.

Che Adams was the hero in that win against Leeds and plenty of punters will fancy the BCFC star to get his name on the scoresheet this weekend.

8/5 for a player of Adams’ calibre to score in 90 minutes represents good value for Birmingham supporters.

Ipswich have conceded 67 goals so far this campaign – only two teams have conceded more goals this campaign.

With that in mind, taking the 11/8 for over 1.5 Birmingham goals this weekend is the way to go. It could be a happy journey home for the travelling fans.

As always, 888sport have a special for BCFC supporters this weekend. Adams to score in a Birmingham win is currently priced at 13/4 and punters should snap that price up ahead of Saturday’s trip to Portman Road.

If he scores, Birmingham will be confident of winning.

Ipswich’s defence is leaky and their offensive unit have struggled for large parts of 2018/19.

Only Bolton Wanderers (29) have scored fewer goals than Ipswich this season – bringing the 8/5 for Birmingham to keep a clean sheet into play.

Monk will have his side fired up for this clash and three points is all that matters. 23/20 for the Blues to emerge victorious is an excellent price and BCFC should take those odds all day long.

Watch this space, it could be an enjoyable weekend for Birmingham fans.

Prediction: Ipswich 0-2 Birmingham (8/1)

Bet of the day: Che Adams to score and Birmingham to win (13/4)

Outside punt: Birmingham to lead at half-time (37/20)

 

*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*

Just a week on from the conclusion of the Aintree Grand National our attentions are now focused on one of the highlights of the Scottish sporting calendar, the Scottish Grand National.

As always it has attracted some of the finest staying chasers in the UK & Ireland. A field of 28 runners line up on Saturday afternoon at 4.05pm.

Not quite as far as the Aintree version, the race is run over a distance of approximately 4 miles and 110 yards (6,538 metres) and 27 fences and is open to horses aged five years old or over.

Scottish Grand National: Last 10 Winners

2018 – JOE FARRELL (33/1)

2017 – VICENTE (9/1 jfav)
2016 – VICENTE (14/1)
2015 – WAYWARD PRINCE (25/1)
2014 – AL CO (40/1)
2013 – GODSMEJUDGE (12/1)
2012 – MERIGO (15/2)
2011 – BESHABAR (15/2)
2010 – MERIGO (18/1)
2009 – HELLO BUD (12/1)

Scottish Grand National: Trends

There are plenty of pointers available over the past ten years which are all worth bearing in mind. You are looking for horses that fit the following criteria:

• Won over 3 miles or further
• Posted their career high RPR of 140+ in a long distance chase
• Won a Class 2 or 3 chase in last 18 months
• Won a chase worth £15,000 (or placed in a chase worth £45,000+)
• Run in 10 to 22 chases (or placed in the 4 mile novice chase at Cheltenham Festival)
• Course winner
• Bypassed the Aintree Grand National
• Horses that finished in first seven in this season’s Hennessy Gold Cup do well
• Ran in the Grimthorpe, 4m NH Novice Chase or Somerset National last time
• Trained in Great Britain (ideally by N Twiston-Davies, P Hobbs or A King)
• Irish trained runners do not fare well. Last winner in 1869!
• Aged 7 to 9 (won 6 of the last 10 renewals)
• Carrying 10st 6lb or less
• Officially rated 146 or lower (ideal range 134 to 139)
• Horses carrying a penalty often do well
• Run 3 to 6 times this season, 2 had not won a race during the campaign.
• Finished in the first 6 last time
• Posted an RPR of 140+ in one or all of last 3 chase starts
• No favourite in the last ten renewals has been successful although four have been placed (including joint and co favs).
• Eight winners had their preceding start in either March or April, of the exceptions one ran in the last week of February and the other in late December.

Scottish Grand National: Key Statistics

• Official Rating no greater than 146 (10/10)
• Won over at least 3 miles (10/10)
• Ran in a Class 2 or 3 race last time out (10/10)
• Aged between 8 and 11 years old (8/10)
• Carried no more than 10st 9lbs (8/10)
• Top 2 finish during last 2 starts  (9/10)
• At least 10 previous races over fences (8/10)
• Last raced within the previous 43 days (8/10)
• Not won a chase above Class 2 level (8/10)
• Between 4 and 6 starts that season (8/10)

Scottish Grand National: 2019 Contenders

Vintage Clouds, a first-fence faller at Aintree last week, returns quickly to a racecourse to try and make amends for that unfortunate early departure.

Trained by Sue Smith, the grey was a popular choice in the betting for the Grand National, but his supporters knew their fate rather early as he met the first obstacle all wrong.

Vintage Clouds previously chased home the Nicky Henderson-trained Beware The Bear in the Ultima Chase at the Cheltenham Festival last month, and the pair renew rivalry in this with Henderson’s charge being lumbered with the top weight.

The Alan King-trained Dingo Dollar and has been one of the leaders in the ante-post market horse racing odds for this race after finishing second in the Grimthorpe Chase at Doncaster last month and his jockey Wayne Hutchinson believes he has a great chance.

King and Hutchinson combined to land the 2013 Scottish Grand National with Godsmejudge, and Dingo Dollar has every chance of following in his footsteps.

The seven-year-old finished runner-up to Crosshue Boy at this meeting last year and has since run a creditable third to Sizing Tennessee and Elegant Escape in the former Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury in November.

The Lucinda Russell-trained Big River was certainly a major eyecatcher from The Festival last month and is one of the few in the line-up who has won at Ayr before.

His Prestbury Park running-on late exertions left the impression that an even stiffer test would suit. He would probably like the ground a little bit more testing at the weekend but can still put up a bold show.

Eider Chase winner Crosspark comes here in good heart and there is no reason why the Caroline Bailey-trained nine-year-old cannot run yet another competitive race under Harry Skelton.

At a bit of a longer price Chic Name is a horse that is worth a second look as he seems to come good in the spring, winning the Highland National at Perth last April.

Trained by Richard Hobson and owned by The Boom Syndicate, the seven-year-old accounted for last year’s winner Joe Farrell last time out and has every chance of following up.

Borders trainer Sandy Thomson has been targeting Geronimo at Scotland’s richest race ever since the chestnut gelding won the Watch Racing TV Now Handicap Chase on January 20^th.

Owner Ken McGarrity was quite keen on running Geronimo in the National Hunt Chase at one stage but Thomson believes this is the race the eight-year-old will excel in.

Scottish Grand National 2019: Conclusion

It’s time to play up your Tiger Roll winnings from last Saturday and have yet another “National” dabble right? These Nationals certainly come along with some regularity.

Given the patient waiting game Sandy Thomson has played with Geronimo he shall be my main each-way selection along with Chic Name who looks primed to follow up on his last run.

888sport suggests: Geronimo and Chic Name (e/w).

 

*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*

The finish line is in sight for all 20 Premier League teams. The title race is set to go the wire, four teams remain within inches of each other as they push for a Champions League spot and Cardiff are fighting for their lives, looking to make up a five-point deficit to avoid relegation.

With the top six all televised, this week’s Saturday 3pm kick-offs preview focuses on three of those teams still at relegation threat and the jostling in mid-table.

 

BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION vs AFC Bournemouth

Brighton are the only Premier League team with seven matches remaining. Chris Hughton’s side are five points above the drop zone and can make themselves as good as safe with positive results this week.

The Seagulls are looking to bounce back from FA Cup semi-final defeat to Manchester City when they host Bournemouth – they follow that with a showdown against Cardiff at the Amex in midweek.

Bournemouth’s record since their red-hot start leaves plenty to be desired. The Cherries have little to play for in the remainder of the season, and that has been the case for a few weeks.

Finishing in the top half is almost out of reach, leaving Eddie Howe’s side in cruise control until their summer break.

The 27/20 on Brighton to win is one of the best Premier League Odds options this weekend. The hosts are solid at home and will be confident of a victory against a Bournemouth side with 12 road defeats in 16 matches.

TIP: Brighton to win @ 27/20

PREDICTED SCORE: Brighton 2-0 Bournemouth (Priced at 19/2 with 888sport)

 

BURNLEY vs Cardiff City

Burnley are on 36 points thanks to victories in their last two outings. The Clarets battled to a 3-1 victory away to Bournemouth last Saturday, putting them eight points clear of 18^th placed Cardiff and within touching distance of safety.

Neil Warnock desperately needs a win here. They were hard done by in defeat to Chelsea two matches ago and unsurprisingly lost to Manchester City last time out.

 

Time is running out for the Welsh club to close the gap, and their away record hardly inspires confidence ahead of the trip to the north west.

It’s hard to see past a home win at Turf Moor on Saturday afternoon. Burnley have recovered from a brief blip and Cardiff have only scored nine goals away from home all season.

TIP: Burnley to win @ 9/10

PREDICTED SCORE: Burnley 1-0 Cardiff (Priced at 11/2 with 888sport)

 

Fulham vs EVERTON

Fulham will not have played in 11 days by the time this match kicks off. Caretaker boss Scott Parker saw his side thrashed 4-1 last week to confirm their inevitable relegation.

A slight improvement in performances under Parker has not translated into positive results as the defence remains leaky and the attack is too often ineffective.

Wins to nil over Chelsea, West Ham and Arsenal represent Everton’s best run of the season. The Toffees sit only a point behind seventh and will be eyeing up the ‘best of the rest’ spot that they were favourites for back in August.

Marco Silva has overcome a difficult period and questions about his future, meaning a top half finish will be a satisfactory campaign.

Fulham will be hoping for reasons to be positive in the final weeks of the season without the burden of fighting relegation. The west London club have lost nine in a row, though, making it impossible to look past 3/4 on an Everton win.

TIP: Everton to win @ 3/4

PREDICTED SCORE: Fulham 1-3 Everton (Priced at 23/2 with 888sport)

 

SOUTHAMPTON vs Wolverhampton Wanderers

Southampton’s home defeat to Liverpool was a setback, though three wins in their four matches before that put them in a good position to avoid the drop.

A win here could see Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side climb as high as 14^th. The improvement under Hasenhuttl has been substantial with Saints performing like a mid-table side since the managerial change.

Wolves are in pole position to finish seventh because of their game in hand on Leicester. It will be interesting to see how they react after their gutting extra time loss in the FA Cup semi-final last weekend.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have been one of the success stories this season, but they could yet slip into the bottom half if performances drop off.

Southampton are a good price at 11/25 to avoid defeat. Wolves’ league form has been patchy of late, and they have taken just two of the last 12 available points on the road.

TIP: Southampton to win OR draw @ 11/25

PREDICTED SCORE: Southampton 1-1 Wolves (Priced at 5/1 with 888sport)

 

*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*